Tag Archives: #InSoMe

One of the most important things I can tell you about me, is my love for candy. It is definitely my favorite food group. I know what you’re probably thinking…”Wow, that’s one the of the most important things about her? This chick must be all kinds of deep…” But before you judge any longer, I’d like to show you why my love for candy is actually something beautiful.

In 1964 English writer, RoaldDahl wrote one of the most epic children’s stories of all time. “Charlie and the Chocolate factory” was first published in America, then two years later made its way to the United Kingdom.

Dahl’s inspiration for the novel originated from his childhood days of being a taste tester for the two major competing chocolate companies, Cadbury (cadbury eggs=THE BEST THING EVER) and Rowntrees. Through such rivalry and extreme passion toward making the best chocolate possible…”Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” was planted in Dahl’s mind and would one day not only be transformed onto paper, but also the big screen.

In 1971, the novel was transformed into its first motion picture, called “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” The second film adaptation, made in 2005 reverted back to the books original title. Though I loved the original film, I am of course partial the the newer version due to the direction of Tim Burton and the infamous portrayal of Willy Wonka through Johnny Depp.

Perhaps by favorite element of Tim Burton’s directing, is his eye for color. Everything about his version of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” screams the beautifulcolor of candy.

Seeing as I started this blog for my InSoMe class, I find it only appropriate to write a post about the fairly new film, “The social Network.” That, and well it’s an amazing storyline, with brilliant actors, award-winning soundtrack, and is nothing short of a great movie.

“The social Newwork” was filmed by David Fincher in 2010. The movie stars Jessie Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg, Arnie Hammer, as Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, and Andrew Garfield as Eduardo Saverin. Though I found Mr. Hammer’s portrayal of the Winklesvoss twins to be…horrible. Eisenburg and Garfield gave nothing but a fantastic performance.

I first saw Jessie Eisengerg In “Adventureland” and I absolutely loved him. Once I saw “The Social Network” I adored him even more. To me, it is clear that he put forth every effort in truly understanding what the movie was trying to tell. He soaked himself in the life of Mark Zuckerberg and played a crucial role in bringing the story alive by the way of the film.

Evidently I’m not the only one to see the beauty in this film. “The Social Network” was nominated for 6 Golden Globes this year and went home with winning four. Details duh.

The Golden Globe I was most excited about, was without question “best score.” Yes, I was rooting along side everyone else for “Inception” but sub consciously I was far more In love with the music in “The Social Network.”

It is safe to say that I HIGHLY recommend this film…If you haven’t seen yet. Well drop everything and find a copy.

All this movie theater talk has gotten me interested in the hype of what is soon coming to the big screen and reviews of “whats new” and “now playing.” First we’ll look at whats out now…ratings, reviews and all that such good stuff. Then, there’s what to expect in the next few weeks.

I am sad to say that I’ve only seen a handful of these. Hanna and Water for Elephants are fantastic (see my previous blogs for more info). Red Riding Hood was a pleasant surprise with a great surprise ending. I was reading for a predictable plot, but was pleasantly proved wrong. I saw Insidious a few weeks a go and I am still having a hard time forming an opinion. There were definitely good elements, but I think I need to see it again to really know what i thought. Though, scary movies the second time around are usually a drag…But I’ll definitely give it another go.

This post is going to be a little different than the rest. I’m going to take a break from the movie scene and talk a little bit about my creative research project for TCOM 365. I think we all can agree that social media has impacted society greatly. Not only that, but as the years progress, social media continues to grow and play a crucial part in advancing our society as it evolves.

But where is the proof? What is something in society that social media is helping advance right before our very eyes?

Music.

Youtube, facebook, myspace, and twitter are all social media tools all created within the last ten years….but how have they had any effect on the music industry?

lets take a look shall we…

Youtube– created in 2005 and designed to generate video’s of movie clips, tv clips, music, and personal video blogging. Here is where you can find many interesting facts and stats about where Youtube has been and where it is today. Lets look at some examples of artists who were discovered on Youtube and are now professional musicians…

1. Owl City

2. Justin Beiber

3. Akon

4. Jason Derulo

5. Rhianna

Personal referrences—> Christina Grimmie. I went to elementary school with Christina, but she is a few grades under me so I didn’t know her all that well. Recently I have found her “channel” on Youtube and see that she is a VERY popular artist. She does a lot of covers, but also has original work. Through her video posts she has had many opportunities including recently landing on Selena Gomez’s summer tour. Check her out HERE.

—> Dinner and a Suit. This is a band from my home town, with members including a brother-in-law, boyfriend, and something like a cousin. Most of their channel is focused on original songs but they too have done many covers. One of their covers, “In the Mourning” by Paramore, was discovered by lead singer Hayley Williams and posted not only to the Paramore website, but also her personal blog. Check their Youtube channel out HERE…

Facebook and Myspace– Facebook and myspace were not originally created with bands in mind…but they have since then changed. Facebook and Myspace now have opened up to musicians to allow music, chatts, links, references, photos, videos, and much more to be posted and viewed from anyone in the world. Not only have these sites broadened what muscians can share, but it has also linked available music to anyone, anywhere. Over the last few years Myspace has faded out on a personal use, and now almost entirely used as a music sharing resource.

Twitter– HERE it is…Twitter allows “followers” to give…”status updates.” In 140 characters you can tell the world what you are doing, seeing, eating, watching, listening to, etc. You can post links, pictures, and recordings. Unlike other social sites like Facebook and Myspace, twitter allows its users to “follow” whoever they want, without having a mutual exchange. For that reason alone MANY famous people use twitter. It is a perfect way for someone in the limelight to connect to their fans and give updates without chaos. A user could have a million followers and be only following one person…or no one at all! Through twitter bands are able to give reminders of shows, cd releases, website updates, and new video posts. Just like Youtube, Twitter is spreading NEW music across the web and the world.

Through Youtube, Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter the music scene has completely changed. These sites have opened up unless possibilities for discovery, and a connection to world wide music, like there has never been before.

Going to the movie theater two days in a row, is basically the best thing that has happened to me in a while. I’m easy to please, and the movies is hands down one of my favorite places to go. So, the next movie on the big screen that I want to share with you all Is “Water for Elephants” starring, Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson. This time, I want to focus on my experience, and try to explain a little bit why I find the movie theater such a magical place.

When I open the door and the smell of popcorn, candy, and that third element to the mixer of “the movie theater smell” hits my face, I am immediately excited in the way that all familiar smells can excite you. Of course I had my Starbucks coffee in hand, because there really isn’t anything better to watch a movie with.

So…Tickets? Check. Right theater? Check. Perfect seat? Check.

previews time…First there was Kate Hudson Romantic Comedy, followed by a Mel Gibson and Jodi Foster Family tear jerker. After that there was a Stephen Spielburg production of a fight for humanity and the world in a film titled “Super 8.” Then a preview for all Gossip Girl fans featuring a film called “Monte Carlo” starring Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester, and Kate Cassidy. Most exciting of all was a preview for a movie I CAN NOT wait to see…“Anonymous” is a film about the life of William Shakespeare and the question of authenticity of his work. A wide variety huh? Yep, the previews lived up to their name…that’s half the fun of the theater anyway!… isn’t it?

The theater was PACKED…which sometimes can be BAD, but I tend to like a full house. To get a feel for what the movie was like…check this out.

Directed by Francis Lawrence, “Water for Elephants” was originally a novel by Sara Gruen, released in 2006. The film starred Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, and Christopher Waltz.

About all else, I found the soundtrack brilliant… definitely the HEART of the film.

Saoirse Ronan. My current obsession. I’ll even venture to say that she is the best young actress of our generation.

Born in New York City, but raised in County Carlow Ireland, Saoirse grew up around the world of film making due to her fathers acting career.

Following a few small jobs, Saoirse hit her big chance in 2001, acting as Briony Tallis in Ian McEwans Atonement. Under the direction of Joe Wright, and acting along side Keira Knightly, and James McAvoy, the young actress broke into the hollywood world. Since then, Saoirse has performed in many movies, acting along side Michelle Pfeiffer and Catherine Zeta-Jones. She is also the youngest actress to have been nominated for a BAFTA, Golden Globe, and an Academy Award.

This past weekend I saw Saoirse’s newest film…HANNA. Basically, my other current obsession.

Bonjour les amis! Today’s post has a special dedication to my wonderful big sister, miss Alyssa Loving Hause. It breaks my heart because I miss her, but for the past couple months my dear big sister has completely submerged herself into the french culture as she has been an au pair to a few beautiful young children. For those of you who don’t know Alyssa, I’ll give you the basics that will hopefully help you to understand why she is my inspiration for this post.

1. Alyssa is the most beautifully unique girl in the world.

2. Alyssa has the most kind and adventurous heart, which allows her to essentially do anything and everything.

3. Alyssa is SO European despite the fact that she is American…or Philippineano…Hm, I don’t know take your pick!

Of course when I found out Alyssa was moving to Paris for six months, I completely hated all things French related. So much so that i even found it hard to order french fries at a restaurant (i can be a little dramatic). I’ll admit that even though I still have a bitter spot in my heart for the Eiffel Tower, and crepes I have come to be very happy for my lovely friend, and you are about to see why…

French Kiss is a beautiful film directed by Lawrence Kasdan in 1995, starring Meg Ryan, Kevin Kline, and Timothy Hutton. I don’t remember the first time i saw French Kiss. I was five when it hit theaters, but it’s my Dad’s favorite romantic film so i am assuming I’ve been watching it since then. My absolute favorite element of this movie is its sound track. The only french words I “know” are found on the French Kiss soundtrack…I still have no clue what I’m sining…Maybe I should google it. Nonetheless, its beautiful. They warm my heart, and remind me of my dear papa so give it a try!

Beautiful South – Les Yeux Ouverts lyrics

Les Negresses Vertes – Les Yeux De Ton Pere lyrics

Kevin Kline – La Mer lyrics

Louis Armstrong – La Vie En Rose lyrics

Charles Trenet—verlaine lyrics

Mama Cass – Dream A Little Dream Of Me lyrics

Ella Fitzgerald – I Love Paris lyrics

Charles Trenet–Verlaine (Chanson D’automne) lyrics

Van Morrison – Someone Like You lyrics

Paolo Conte – Via Con Me lyrics

Zucchero – Feels Like A Woman lyrics

I Love Paris [ella Fitzgerald] lyrics

Feels Like A Woman [zucchero] lyrics

Les Yeux Ouverts [south Beautiful] lyrics

Via Con Me [paolo Conte] lyrics

Someone Like You [van Morrison] lyrics

Dream A Little Dream Of Me [mama Cass] lyrics

Verlaine (Chanson D’automne) [charles Trenet] lyrics

La Vie En Rose [louis Armstrong] lyrics

Les Yeux De Ton Pere [les Negresses Vertes] lyrics

I am a HUGE Meg Ryan fan so I’d have to say that she is my second favorite part of the film. She is beautiful and brings “Kate” to life in a very sophisticated yet free-spirited way. She has an attractive personality like that of Audry Hepburn….or Alyssa Hause.

Okay okay, I’ll give Paris some credit. It is stunning. The scenery of French Kiss has always left me breathless….But it wasn’t until now that really see and appreciate all the beauty offered within the film.

Warning! I’m breaking rule number one of “Fight Club“…If you don’t know what that means, I advise reading no further until you have watched the film.

Frustrated. Can’t sleep. Time to create something crazy…Well, I suppose this is how Narrator felt…thus Tyler Durden. Hopefully I can create a Brad Pitt blog post for you.

The novel “Fight Club,” by Chuck Palahniuk hit the shelves in 1996 and was later adapted into a movie by director, David Fincher. The film stars Edward Norton as the unnamed protagonist, and Brad Pitt as Tyler Durden, who is everything Narrator is not.

Every time I watch”Fight Club” something new punches me in the face (pun intended). In all seriousness, there is no denying the deeper meaning within basically every aspect of the movie. I had a friend once tell me, “Fight Club changed my life.”

For me, “Fight Club” is living your life for what it is. It’s about taking advantage of every last second, and letting it all fall down. It is leaving us completely naked and being willing to acceptLIFE, and that which makes us uncomfortable, instead of running from it. Now, as I said before, this is a film that I can’t watch without discovering something completely different from each time i saw it before…

…after reading many pretty boring essays of “Fight Club” interpretations, I came across something MUCH better. Here we have an interview with Chuck Palahniuk, after the film was made. Once again, more clarity…

Hmm well, after all of that I think Instead of boring you with ANY MORE rambling words of theories, ideas, and thoughts..I’ll show you what “Fight Club” means to me. Feel free to interpret anything and everything. It all means something.

“…And you open the door and you step inside.”

“This is your life. Good to the last drop. Doesn’t get any better than this”

“Only after disaster can we be resurrected. It’s only after you’ve lost everything that you are free to do anything.”

To me, there is not much more excitement than the Life of Miss Alice Kingsley, from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass.” The novel was written in 1865 and since then been developed into over 25 different television and cinema adaptations, dating back to 1903. I was pleased to find that the BFI National Archive recently restored the stories first silent film adaptation to almost its original form. I hope you find this LINK as fascinating as I did.

The beauty of Alice and her adventures are their endless possibilities. The characters, plot, theme, symbolism, speech, and imagery are just a few of the literary tools Carroll used efficiently enough to create over a hundred years of inspired people, to bring such a telling tale to lifethroughfilm.

In the most recent 2010 adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland,” director Tim Burton completely dissects the mind of Carroll’s novel and revolutionizes the possibilities found on the pages. Oh the many beautiful qualities this film possesses. I know where the list would begin and fortunately for you, I’ll end with the beginning, and try to keep it short and sweet, because if not this post could quite possibly continue…forever. Above anything else, “Alice in Wonderland” has always painted a beautiful picture in my head of the most unique setting, clothes, characters, and magical events. I admit with humility that the newest version of the film captured the art within the story greater than I have ever imagined it before. Despite my lack of experience, finances, and crazy but brilliant mind of Tim Burton, I decided that I too can let Alice inspire me to produce beautiful art. To my advantage, I have a gorgeous model for a brother and my best friend has a creative eye with a pretty top-notch camera.

-“What is the use of a book, without pictures or conversations?”-Alice

-Life is better in blue.

–“ Anyone can go by horse or rail, but the absolute best way to travel is by hat. Have I made a rhyme?”-The Mad Hatter

My fondest and most vivid memories date back to 1994. Contrary to most children, I put on my pajamas and crawled into bed with excitement. Four years old, blanket in my right hand and “stuffed animal of the day” in my left, I eagerly waited for one of my four older siblings, or mom and dad to carry me into a new world of fairy tales. I guess you could say this is where my love for stories began…Now, let me be honest and tell you that I have never been a serious bookworm but clearly I am a sucker for a story and can guarantee that when I hear (occasionally read) a good one, it will consume most of my day. I was Twelve years old when I saw Natalie Portman’s debut movie, “The Professional.” Yes, I had seen many movies prior to this one, but I still remember the exact moment I finished the film and realized my love for stories grew into a passion I had never felt before. Even in my early days, stories have always meant more to me than just the characters or plot. Colors, words, music, pictures, deep passions, fashion, and senses are some of the ideas that constantly play in my mind, both pertaining to my own life or someone else’s. I am not sure of the exact reasons why “The Professional” had created such a change in me other than the fact that I genuinely fell in love with the idea of being Natalie Portman, and living out a story for millions of people to see. After that, the film industry became my greatest passion. I still can’t get enough. I have no clue where I am going in life, but I know God has given me a passion that not many people can claim. I can’t hide something so great, so for now…I will blog.